Up to 6 inches of snow expected in Ark., Okla.

The National Weather Service in Norman, Okla., said a winter storm watch will be in effect from late Monday through Tuesday evening for parts of Oklahoma, including El Reno, Oklahoma City and Ponca City.

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By Associated Press

Stuttgart Daily Leader - Stuttgart, AR

By Associated Press

Posted Dec. 24, 2012 at 9:01 AM

By Associated Press
Posted Dec. 24, 2012 at 9:01 AM

NORMAN, Okla.

The National Weather Service issued winter storm watches on Sunday for parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma ahead of a storm that could bring treacherous road conditions and up to 6 inches of snow to the region this Christmas.

The National Weather Service in Norman, Okla., said a winter storm watch will be in effect from late Monday through Tuesday evening for parts of Oklahoma, including El Reno, Oklahoma City and Ponca City.

Forecasters said snow is expected to start falling in those areas between midnight and 9 a.m. Tuesday. The snow will be heaviest during the daytime hours before tapering off to flurries Tuesday even as the storm moves eastward.

In Arkansas, a winter storm watch will be in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening in parts of the state, including Russellville, Harrison and Mena.

"There's still a lot of uncertainties on the exact track of the storm," said Willie Gilmore, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Little Rock.

It seemed pretty certain, though, that parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma will likely have a white Christmas.

The National Weather Service in Norman cautioned that the snow may be accompanied by strong winds, which could lead to decreased visibility and possibly "near whiteout conditions" for holiday travelers.

In Arkansas, forecasters said a mixture of snow and sleet is expected to develop over the area on Christmas, eventually changing into all snow as the day progresses.

"Travel conditions will be treacherous ... as roadways become ice and snow covered," the National Weather Service in Little Rock said on its website.